Aiming to bounce back from a lacklustre performance in the recent Gold Cup, four-year-old American-bred dark bay/brown filly Fearless Force comes into this afternoon’s $1.4-million I’msatisfied Trophy with renewed determination — she’s well poised and hungry for a turnaround performance.

Her run in the Gold Cup on October 4 didn’t quite showcase her capabilities as she finished over 10 lengths behind fellow foreigners Legacy Isle and her stable mate Rideallday over seven furlongs (1,400m). But circumstances have shifted in her favour; today’s field looks markedly weaker, painting a promising picture for Fearless Force’s chances.

Trained by Philip Feanny, Fearless Force’s last victory came on September 7 when she stormed to victory over five and a half furlongs (1,100m) in a sharp 1:06.4, edging out Bootylicious and Another One by a half-length. And with today’s distance extending just a half-furlong (100m) further at six furlongs (1,200m), it seems like territory she can conquer.

A telling sign of the confidence swirling around Fearless Force is the appointment of champion jockey Raddesh Roman to her saddle. Roman, currently leading the riding ranks, has replaced apprentice Jaheim Anderson — a move which is expected to improve the horse’s prospects. By all indications Fearless Force is coming into this trophy race with momentum, poised hands down for glory.

The Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward is positioned as the seventh event on the nine-race card at 4:00 pm. First race is at 12:00 pm which starts the mandatory payout on the Reggae 6.

Jason DaCosta’s pair of Mamma Mia and California Crown are expected to play prominent roles in the outcome of this race.

Mamma Mia, in particular, carries a compelling narrative into this clash; she’d previously defeated Fearless Force two starts ago on August 16 over this same distance, claiming victory by a half-length in a telling 1:13.1.

Though Mamma Mia’s subsequent pair of outings fell short of sparkling form, her innate speed and commanding pace etch her as a bona fide contender in this trophy melee. Jerome Innis occupies the saddle — a choice leaving some punters scratching their heads, sceptical about the vibes – yet Mamma Mia’s distilled class argues persuasively for her cause. Beneath the surface, one senses this horse harbours enough firepower to make her mark.

Alongside her California Crown represents another potent thread in DaCosta’s weave, conjuring questions about how these horses might shape the race’s outcome.

His trial credentials are telling; California Crown blazed through five and a half furlongs in 1:07.0, with five furlongs (1,000m) devoured in a blistering 1:00.3 just last Saturday. Such work indicates that the horse is coming to run.

It’s a contrast to his recent placings, true — four-straight fifths might raise eyebrows — but California Crown’s past wins and present prep sketch the portrait of a horse harbouring breakout intent.

— Ruddy Allen

Ones to watch

Race 1: Abreathoffreshair/Tiffany Blu/Indestructible

Race 2: God of Love/Jon P/Muzzo

Race 3: Noble Sovereign/Don’t Tell Lou Lou/Chesney

Race 4: Hazelnut/I’m Outstyanding/T Swizzle

Race 5:  Unruly Dude/RicoRicoRico/Miss Money Penny

Race 6: Workout Cru/Jack Daniel/Tuts

Race 7: Fearless Force/California Crown/Mamma Mia

Race 8: Rush of Class/Good Conscience/Papi Uso

Race 9: Ranu Bangala/Kem/D Head Cornerstone